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In a statement released on Tuesday, Rep. Marcia Fudge, pictured here with Rep. Lloyd Doggett, mourned Aisha Fraser’s death and said Lance Mason’s actions are not those of the man she once knew. | Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Marcia Fudge vouched for man now accused of killing ex-wife

Democratic Rep. Marcia Fudge sent a letter several years ago supporting a former state lawmaker and judge in Ohio who is now accused of killing his ex-wife, an incident that could play out in the contest over the next speaker of the House.

Fudge asked for leniency in sentencing for Lance Mason in a 2015 letter after Mason admitted to brutally beating his then-wife, Aisha Fraser. On Saturday, Mason was arrested in connection with Fraser's death.

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The case could become a political problem for Fudge, who had been considering challenging Nancy Pelosi for speaker in the next Congress until announcing Tuesday afternoon that she would not. Regardless, Fudge is now tied to a criminal case that is dominating headlines back in Cleveland.

Mason previously served nine months in prison for beating up Fraser, a sixth-grade teacher, in front of their daughters. He's now been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with Fraser’s death, according to the Shaker Heights Police Department. Mason injured a police officer while trying to drive away from the scene of the incident, according to news reports.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Fudge mourned Fraser’s death and said Mason’s actions are not those of the man she once knew.

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“My heart breaks for Aisha Fraser. I pray for Aisha’s family, especially her children, as they attempt to deal with this tragedy,” Fudge said in her statement. “My support of Lance in 2015 was based on the person I knew for almost 30 years — an accomplished lawyer, prosecutor, state legislator and judge. That’s the Lance Mason I supported. The person who committed these crimes is not the Lance Mason familiar to me. They were horrific crimes, and I condemn them.”

Mason had been working for the city of Cleveland as a minority business development administrator before his arrest.

In the 2014 case of domestic violence, Mason repeatedly punched Fraser in the head and slammed her face against a car dashboard, an attack that occurred in front of the couple’s two young children, according to news reports. Fraser was severely injured and required facial reconstructive surgery.

At the time, Fudge wrote a letter to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutors Office on Mason’s behalf, Dan DeRoos, a local Cleveland reporter, noted in a Twitter post on Tuesday. Fudge served as director of that office before being elected to Congress in 2008.

In the letter, dated Aug. 9, 2015, Fudge said her view of Mason had been shaped by two decades of friendship.

“The Lance T. Mason that I know is a kind, intelligent man and loyal friend,” Fudge said. “The Lance T. Mason that I know is an advocate for the people of his community. Whether as a Country Prosecutor, State Senator, or Common Pleas Judge. He is well respected and well liked.”

Fudge added: “Lance Mason is a good man who made a very bad mistake. I can only hope you can see in Lance what I and others see.”